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A Lenten Meditation for Women’s Month: Where do you sit?

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. Luke 10:39

Read Luke 10:38-42

Many women today live in Martha’s world juggling responsibilities, responding to constant demands, and carrying the invisible labor of leadership, caregiving, and community service. The calendar fills quickly. The emails accumulate. The expectations multiply.

Yet Lent asks us to consider: Where do we sit?

Do we find moments to sit at the feet of Christ—to listen, to breathe, to be renewed? Or do we remain caught in endless activity?

The story of Mary and Martha reminds us that faithfulness is not measured only by productivity but by presence.

Lent invites us into sacred space…space to slow down, reflect, repent, and realign our hearts with God. During this season of reflection, the story of Mary and Martha offers wisdom for women who carry many responsibilities and yet long for spiritual renewal.

In Luke 10:38–42, Jesus enters the home of two sisters. Martha is busy preparing, serving, and making sure everything is in order. Mary, however, sits at Jesus’ feet, listening attentively to his teaching. Frustrated by the imbalance of labor, Martha asks Jesus to correct Mary and send her to help. Yet Jesus gently responds:

“Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41

Let’s Reflect:

The Invitation to Presence

This passage does not condemn Martha’s service. Hospitality was a sacred responsibility in the ancient world, and Martha’s work was meaningful and necessary. Yet Jesus notices something deeper: Martha is not simply serving, she is “worried and distracted.”

The Greek word used for “distracted” suggests being pulled in many directions. Martha’s mind and heart are fragmented by tasks and expectations.

Mary, on the other hand, chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet, a posture of discipleship typically reserved for students of a rabbi. In doing so, Mary claims a place of learning, presence, and spiritual attentiveness. Jesus affirms her choice, declaring that she has chosen “the better part.”

The message is not that service is unimportant. Rather, Jesus reminds us that relationship must precede responsibility. Before we pour out, we must be filled.

Let’s Act

A Lenten Practice of Sacred Pause

Whether you identify more with Mary or Martha, this Lenten season offers an invitation.

Slow down.
Pause.
Reflect.

Create space in your day for stillness with God:

• Begin your morning with a moment of quiet prayer before the demands of the day begin.
• Step away from the noise of news and notifications to listen for God’s voice.
• Take a walk, breathe deeply, and reflect on the grace that sustains you.
• Sit with Scripture and allow it to nourish your spirit.

Service is important. Leadership matters. Community work is sacred. But the story of Mary and Martha reminds us that our first calling is relationship with Christ.

When we sit at Jesus’ feet, we rediscover clarity, peace, and purpose. From that place of spiritual grounding, our work becomes not frantic striving but faithful service.

Let’s Pray:

Gracious God, In the busyness of our lives, help us remember the better part. Teach us to slow down and sit in Your presence. Quiet the worries that pull us in many directions and center our hearts on Your Word. As we journey through this Lenten season, renew our spirits, restore our peace, and remind us that time with You is never wasted. May we carry Your Wisdom and Grace into every place we serve. Amen.

Faithfully serving,

Rev. Sondrea L. Tolbert, J.D., M.Div.

Execcutive Director & CEO